2026 Proposed Changes to Bylaws
Here are a few proposed changes to the Conservancy’s bylaws that we will ask members will vote on at the General Membership meeting on March 23rd. These have already been approved by the BPC Board of Trustees.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Existing
4.2. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for recruiting trustees and assembling a slate of candidates for the annual election. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three to five members selected by the Board and must include at least one trustee (other than the Chair) and one non-trustee. The term shall be one year.
Proposed:
Delete section 4.2 that mandates an annual Nominating Committee.
Explanation
When and if needed, a Nominating Committee can always be formed by the Board in any given year and given whatever specific requirements are needed, just like any other committee. This bylaw changes removes a lot of unneeded, but currently required, process for an organization that is as small as ours is.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ELECTIONS
Existing:
3.11. Elections. At a Board meeting at least thirty days prior to the March membership meeting, the Nominating Committee shall report for nomination a slate comprised of one candidate for each trustee position to be elected at the March meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor following the report of the Nominating Committee or by written submission to the Secretary during the week following distribution of their report to the membership.
Proposed:
3.11. Elections. Qualified candidates may be nominated by another Conservancy member or may self-nominate for a Board position within the timeframes set by the Board’s Nomination and Election Procedures. Nominations also may be made from the floor on election night, provided the proposed candidate is able to communicate acceptance of the nomination. Each candidate must receive a majority of total votes cast in order to win the election for their desired position.
Explanation:
Removes the requirement for a slate of candidates in absence of a Nominating Committee. Aligns requirements with our Nomination and Election Procedures.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS
Existing:
3.3. Qualifications. Trustees must be members of the corporation in good standing and residents of the State of New Jersey. Officers and employees of Essex County or of any municipality within Essex County may not serve as trustees or officers of the corporation.
Proposed:
3.3. Qualifications. Trustees must be members of the corporation in good standing and residents of the State of New Jersey. Candidates for trustee must have been a member of the Conservancy for at least two months prior to their election. Officers and employees of Essex County or of any municipality within Essex County may not serve as trustees or officers of the corporation.
Explanation:
We have the two-month requirement in our election procedures, but not in the bylaws.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
QUORUM at GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Existing:
2.7.d Quorum/Voting. The presence of at least fifteen members will constitute a quorum for voting at the meeting. Except as elsewhere provided, all issues to be voted on, including the election of officers and trustees, shall be decided by simple majority.
Proposed:
2.7.d Quorum/Voting. The presence of a majority of the sitting Board will constitute a quorum for voting at the membership meeting. Except as elsewhere provided, all issues to be voted on, including the election of officers and trustees, shall be decided by simple majority.
Explanation
Bowing to reality – we have members who will gladly donate and volunteer in the park, but they very rarely attend our meetings. As long as a majority of the seated Board is present, we should still be able to conduct business. Aligns the quorum requirements for both Board meetings and membership meetings.